BUSINESSES on the eastern side of Bolton are to benefit from a £175,000 Government cash boost.

Money from the SRB6 (Single Regeneration Budget) scheme is aimed at helping small and medium-sized firms and new enterprises with good growth potential to become bigger and more competitive.

SRB6 covers Breightmet, Tonge, Hall i'th'Wood, The Haulgh and parts of Burnden and Darcy Lever.

The money is due to be supplemented with a further £151,000 from a variety of sources, including European grants, Bolton Council and the private sector.

John Blackburn, managing director of Multi Media Machine Ltd and a member of the SRB6 Partnership said today: "Local businesses and business support agencies have been involved in shaping and developing this project, so we are confident that it is exactly what is needed in the area. About 170 businesses took part in a survey which helped us to identify needs and worked well as a way of getting people involved in developing the whole project."

A cornerstone of the project will be the appointment of a business liaison officer who will spend two years working with local businesses.

Project manager Bill Singleton said: "There is already quite a number of business support providers, but it can be very confusing about who to approach.

"The business liaison officer will be the first point of contact and will be able to guide businesses to the appropriate agencies to access support."

Revenue grant aid will also be available for individual businesses to improve their business practices.

It is also planned to create a local supply chain network which will give businesses in the SRB6 area the chance to sell their products and services to larger companies.

Any businesses wanting more information can contact Bill Singleton on 336153.